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Psst: This Secret Ingredient Might Be Best for a Brighter Complexion

Since we're in the business of perpetually seeking better and brighter skin, we've known about the glow-worthy benefits of vitamin C for a while now. And if you were to peruse any Byrdie editor's skincare routine you'd more than likely find at least a few elixirs with said superstar ingredient. Afer all, science, doesn't lie: It works. However, when a recent email came through my inbox singing a different vitamin's skin praises, I was intrigued. Apparently, vitamin B3 (also known as niacinamide) is another dark horse when it comes to turbo-charged brightening benefits. Oh, and French girls swear by it.

Byrdie's Editorial Director, Faith Xue, is another vitamin B3 devotee: "I'm actually obsessed with niacinamide—it's a powerhouse ingredient for brightening and hydration that I think gets overlooked a lot in relation to vitamin C." So what's there to know? According to the experts I tapped, a lot. To find out what makes vitamin B3 tick in regard to its under-the-radar skin benefits, I consulted board-certified dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon Jennifer Herrmann, MD, who's based in Beverly Hills. Keep reading to learn more about vitamin B3's benefits and to see our editors' best-in-class product picks.

What is vitamin b3?

"When we think about skin benefits and vitamin B3, we're referring to a specific form of B3 (an amide) called nicotinamide. Nicotinamide is an essential water-soluble vitamin, which is not synthesized in the body, meaning we have to eat it to receive its benefits," says Herrmann. However , here is one common misconception when it comes to B3 and its (multiple) monikers: "Nicotinamide is a specific amide (a particular chemical structure) form of B3. It's not niacin, the acid form of this vitamin. Niacin is much more easily found at the drugstore but has the unpleasant side effect of flushing that nicotinamide doesn't have." Not into a red face? Make sure to scan your ingredient lists.

Additionally, the vitamin has been incorporated into skincare products, since as Herrmann clarifies, our bodies don't produce it on their own. Therefore, if we want to reap the brightening benefits of nicotinamide (also called niacinamide), it needs to be ingested via supplement (Herrmann recommends this one!) or applied topically to the skin: "Nicotinamide is in some topical formulations and can be used in the morning or night as a cream, typically after gentle cleansing."Vitamin B3 can also be found in some of Byrdie HQ's favorite serums (see below!) which can either be applied prior or into your go-to night cream.

The key, however, is choosing your product selection wisely. Herrmann explains that our skin is smart and since its job is to act as a barrier—protecting our bodies from potentially harmful invaders—not all topical formulations may boast the technology to effectively penetrate.

"Any topically applied active ingredient must be formulated in a way so that it can get into the skin to where it's needed. If nicotinamide successfully penetrates this barrier, it can be effective."

How is it related to brightness?

In short, it's incredibly restorative: "Nicotinamide helps restore cellular energy, repair damaged DNA, and reduce the immunosuppressive effects of sun-induced UV rays." With a fountain of youth likeness, Herrmann compares vitamin B3 to that of a "well-oiled machine," fighting off internal and external stressors that can ultimately lead to the deterioration or breakdown of our skin and premature signs of aging like discoloration and wrinkles.

Concerning brightness specifically, she tells us: "Nicotinamide has been shown to prevent the transfer of pigmentwithin the skin, which can help reduce brown spots." Less redness (thanks to vitamin B3's anti-inflammatory properties), preserved hydration, a strengthened skin barrier, and the improved synthesis of healthy fats (key for glowing skin) are other benefits cited by Herrmann and backed by various studies.

An investment, yes. However, if pigmentation and discoloration seem to have a personal vendetta against you and your complexion, this heavy-hitting serum is expertly formulated with that very concern in mind. Niacinamide is combined with other key ingredients like tranexamic acid, phenylethyl resorcinol, tetrapeptide-30, phytic acid, and a skin-strengthening blend of marine extracts. In English: pretty skin.

Wellness editor Victoria Hoff is Byrdie's resident dewy skin goddess, so when she recommends a product, you know it's borderline majestic in benefit. With goods like niacinamide, bioflavonoids, and licorice root, this is her go-to for smoother, stronger skin.

Brand-new product alert: When I peppered my fellow editors for their top B3-infused skin picks, Beauty Director Deven Hopp was quick to point out this brand-new serum from 100% Pure. Not only does it contain niacinamide, it also features vitamins C and E, retinol, and CoQ10. It's currently sold out due to high demand, but it's at the top of our wish list.

If you're after a brighter complexion, beloved French skincare brand Talika has your back. This innovative mask (*it doesn't slip!*) mimics the brightening effects of an entire month's use of B3 serum, and it's a favorite among the skin-blessed women in France.

This one is worth saving your money for. In the name of brightening, the B-intensive formula encourages your skin's own ability to repair and reverse damage and also features a luxe infusion of skin-loving neuropeptides so skin remains protected from future stressors.

Expertly formulated with vitamin C (from Australian Kakadu plums, no less) means double the brightening. Small but mighty, this serum gifts skin with radiance and renewed vitality. And as far as high-quality serums go, this one happens to be comparably wallet-friendly.

For a truly luxurious facial experience, this niacinamide-laced cream from the adored French brand Votre Vu is one of the best. A true multitasker when it comes to the tone and texture of the skin, it can help prevent and reduce the appearance of blemishes, diminish pores, and ease dullness, discoloration, and even fine lines and wrinkles.